The son of NBA superstar LeBron James, Bronny James, has been medically cleared by the NBA to enter the draft after suffering a cardiac arrest last July. The 18-year-old made his freshman debut in December and has declared for the draft, with the option to return to college until May 29. Despite initially being seen as a potential lottery pick, his performance with USC has caused his stock to drop, and he is not expected to be a first-round selection. However, teams have expressed interest in him, partly due to his famous father, LeBron James, who remains a top player in the league and has expressed interest in playing with his son before retirement.
Bronny James’ medical clearance from the NBA allows him to participate in this week’s pre-draft combine in Chicago, where he will compete with other prospects in front of NBA executives, coaches, and scouts. His lack of production with USC has led to a drop in his draft stock, as he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 19.4 minutes per game while shooting 36.6% from the field. While he may not be a first-round selection, teams are interested in him, with the possibility of keeping or luring his father, LeBron James, playing a factor in their interest.
LeBron James, who recently finished his 21st season in the NBA, remains one of the league’s best players. He averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting a career-high 41% from 3-point range. LeBron signed a two-year, $99 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers last summer, which includes a player option for the following season. If he declines that option, he will become a free agent this summer and will have the opportunity to sign with any team. LeBron has expressed a desire to play with his son before he retires, adding to the intrigue surrounding Bronny’s potential entry into the league.
Despite the initial concerns surrounding Bronny James’ health after his cardiac arrest last July, he has been cleared by the NBA to pursue his professional basketball career. The 18-year-old guard has the opportunity to showcase his skills at the pre-draft combine in Chicago, where teams will have the chance to evaluate his potential. While his performance at USC may have impacted his draft stock, teams are still interested in him, with the possibility of playing alongside his father, LeBron James, adding to the appeal.
LeBron James’ continued success in the NBA has solidified his status as one of the league’s top players, with impressive statistics in his 21st season. He signed a lucrative contract with the Los Angeles Lakers last summer, including a player option for the following season, which could potentially impact his future career decisions. LeBron’s desire to play with his son before retiring has garnered attention, with the potential for a father-son duo in the NBA adding excitement to both fans and teams alike. As Bronny James navigates the draft process and considers his future in basketball, his father’s support and guidance will likely play a significant role in his decision-making and development as a player.
